95: {Interview} Leadership Lessons from Darla Bonk

Text me!Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a leader? You are not the only one! In today's conversation I sit down with serial entrepreneur, Darla Bonk. In this conversation, Darla  shares her journey from starting a manufacturing company with her husband to establishing a successful business consulting firm. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership, the need for effective communication and soft skills, and the critical role of mindset in entrepreneurship. Darla emphasizes the significance of building a business that aligns with personal values and the necessity of discipline and passion for aspiring entrepreneurs. Throughout the discussion, she provides valuable insights on employee empowerment, the impact of perception in leadership, and the importance of perseverance in achieving success.takeawaysLeadership requires authenticity and vulnerability.Employees need to feel aligned with the company's vision.Soft skills are essential for effective communication.Mindset is crucial for entrepreneurial success.People's experience with you matters in leadership.Building a business should align with personal values.Discipline and passion are key for aspiring entrepreneurs.Anything is possible if you believe in yourself.​For decades, Darla has been honing her skills, cultivating her expertise, and gathering insights from her work across a variety of industries and with individuals from all walks of life, always guided by her faith and the precious guidance of her many treasured mentors. ​Darla is the founder and host of the podcast, "On Your Way."Darla currently serves on the Fort Myers City Council as representative for Ward 6, and in 2023 she was named as a finalist for the Women in Business Apex awards.Currently, Darla and her husband reside in Fort Myers, where they run their own Southwest Florida-based company, Architectural Metal Flashings, and are actively involved with their community and church, volunteering with and supporting many different local organizations. Connect with Darla HERESupport the showLINKS TO FREEBIES BELOW: WEEKLY NEWSLETTER where I share all the tips and tricks on how to grow organically online HERE If you are interested in sponsoring the show, send me a DMABOUT THE HOST: Former Executive Recruiter turned Digital Marketing Expert & Entrepreneur.  I'm here to show you that you can do it too! I help small business owners to start, grow and scale their personal brand and business online through social media. In 2021 I launched ChilledVino, my patented wine product and in 2023 I launched The Caroline Pennington Show Podcast and in 2025 I launched my Digital Marketing Agency called CPM. I live in South Carolina with my husband Gary and 2 Weimrarners, Zena & Zara. This podcast is a supportive and inclusive community where I interview and bring women together that are fellow entrepreneurs and workplace experts. We believe in sharing our stories, unpacking exactly how we did it and talking through the mindset shifts needed to achieve great things.Let's connect further!!LinkedIn HERE IG @cpennington55 FB HEREChilledVino HERE